RU2639966C1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: human life necessities satisfaction.SUBSTANCE: washing machine including a pump configured to selectively supply water to the circulation hose and water outlet hose is described. The pump includes an electric motor rotatable forwards and backwards, and a casing configured to form an area in which the impeller rotated by the pump motor is located. The pump casing includes a supply port into which water from the outside tank is supplied, a circulation water outlet connected to the other end of the circulation hose and a water outlet connected to the water outlet hose. In addition, the pump casing includes a water outlet and a circulating water outlet formed in a circumferential direction so as to be spaced apart from each other on an annular inner surface defining a gap between the pump casing and the impeller.EFFECT: increased reliability.15 cl, 25 dwg

Description

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0139279, filed October 2, No. 10-2015-0139272, filed October 2, and No. 10-2015-0141714, filed on October 8 with the Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Basically, a washing machine is a device for processing laundry through several actions, such as washing, removing moisture and / or drying. The washing machine includes an outer tank configured to contain water, and an inner tank mounted to rotate in the outer tank. Many through holes through which water passes are formed on the inner tank.

When the user selects the desired mode using the control panel in a position in which the laundry (hereinafter referred to as “products”), such as clothes or bedding, was loaded into the internal tank, the washing machine performs a predetermined algorithm in accordance with the selected mode, such Thus, a quick release of water, washing, rinsing and removing moisture.

Recently, the washing machine may include a circulation nozzle configured to spray water discharged from the outer tank into the inner tank, and a circulation pump located on a channel connecting the outer tank and the circulation nozzle, and configured to force water into circulation nozzle. Typically, however, the washing machine includes a sump pump for discharging water from the outer tank to the outside through a channel for discharging water. If a circulation nozzle is used, two pumps are required. Accordingly, there are problems in that the design of the washing machine becomes complicated and the cost of production increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Firstly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine for circulating and discharging washing water using a single-acting pump.

Secondly, the aim of the present invention is to provide a washing machine using a double-acting pump, providing a change in the direction of rotation with the possibility of circulation and the release of water for washing.

Thirdly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that selectively circulates and discharges washing water by changing only the direction of rotation of the pump without a separate valve.

Fourth, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which the process of circulating and discharging washing water is carried out more precisely by improving the design of the circulation water outlet and the pump water outlet.

Fifthly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of preventing water leakage through a pump water outlet during washing water circulation and preventing water leakage through a circulation water outlet when water is discharged.

A washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a flat base, a casing supported by a base, an outer tub located in the casing and configured to contain water, an inner tub configured to receive clothes and rotate about a vertical axis in the outer tub, a circulation nozzle configured to spray water into the inner tank, a circulation hose made with one end connected to the circulation nozzle, a drainage hose configured to discharge water discharged from the outer tank to the outside of the washing machine, and a pump located on the base and configured to selectively supply water discharged from the outer tank to the circulation hose and the water discharge hose. The pump includes an electric motor configured to rotate forward and backward, an impeller configured to rotate by means of a pump motor, and a casing configured to form a region in which the impeller is located, and to include supply openings, in which is supplied with water discharged from the outer tank, a circulation water discharge opening connected to the other end of the circulation hose, and a water discharge opening connected to the water discharge hose. The pump casing includes an outlet for discharging water and an outlet for circulating water formed in the circumferential direction so as to be spaced apart from each other on an annular inner surface defining a gap between the pump casing and the impeller. The outlet for the circulation water is formed on the side upstream of the outlet for discharging water based on the flow of water generated by the forward rotation of the impeller, and is located above the outlet for discharging water. The circulation water discharge opening extends outside the circulation water outlet and extends forward with respect to the forward rotation direction. The water outlet opening extends from the water outlet and extends forward with respect to the direction of rotation forward.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 2 is a sectional side view of the washing machine shown in figure 1;

figure 3 - part of the washing machine in figure 1 and a sectional view of the suspension structure;

figure 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main elements of the washing machine in figure 1 during control;

Fig. 5 (a) depicts the position in which water is sprayed through the circulation nozzle if the inner tank does not have a load, and Fig. 5 (b) depicts the position in which water is sprayed through the circulation nozzle if the inner tank has the maximum load;

6 shows that the top panel is visible from top to bottom;

7 shows that the top panel is visible from the front;

Fig. 8 (a) shows that the rear side of the upper panel is visible in the position in which the circulation nozzle is installed, and Fig. 8 (b) shows that the rear side of the upper panel is visible in the position in which the circulation nozzle has been disconnected;

Fig. 9 (a) shows the back of the circulation nozzle, and Fig. 9 (b) shows the connecting structure of the upper panel and the circulation nozzle;

FIG. 10 (a) shows that the circulation nozzle and nozzle cap assembly mounted on the top panel are visible from the side, FIG. 10 (b) is a perspective view showing the position in which the circulation nozzle is mounted on the top panel, and FIG. 10 (c) is a sectional view on the side of the circulation nozzle;

11 (a) is a schematic view showing the heights at which the water sprayed through the circulation nozzle reaches the inner tank depending on the rotational speed of the electric motor of the washing machine, and 11 (b) is a schematic view showing the angles at which the water sprayed through the circulation nozzle passes in the width direction depending on the rotation speed of the electric motor of the washing machine;

12 is a schematic view showing spray ranges of a circulation nozzle and a nozzle for once-through water;

Fig depicts a circulation nozzle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.14 depicts the pump of Fig.1 in various aspects, Fig.14 (a) is a perspective view of the pump, Fig.14 (b) is a side view of the pump, Fig.14 (c) shows the position in which the pump casing is removed from the pump, and FIG. 14 (d) is a front view of the pump;

FIG. 15 shows a state in which the pump of FIG. 14 has been removed so that the inside of the pump housing is visible;

Fig.16 depicts the inner surface of the casing of the pump;

Fig. 17 (a) shows the back of the pump, and Fig. 17 (b) is a sectional side view of the pump;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a pump bracket;

Fig. 19 shows a state in which a pump is mounted on a base in various aspects;

Fig.20 depicts a pump in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.21 depicts a pump in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, Fig.21 (a) depicts the position in which the first pump casing and the second pump casing are removed, Fig.21 (b) depicts the pump visible in the direction I indicated in FIG. 21 (a) in a position in which the first pump housing and the second pump housing are assembled, and FIG. 21 (c) shows the pump visible in direction II indicated in FIG. 21 (a) in the position in which the first pump housing and the second pump housing are assembled;

Fig.22 is a partial perspective view showing the relationship between the lower part of the circulation hose and its surrounding elements in Fig.2;

Fig.23 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the upper part of the circulation hose and its surrounding elements in Fig.2;

Fig.24 is a perspective view of the circulation hose in Fig.2;

25 is a perspective view of a circulation hose in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Advantages and features of the present invention and a method for achieving them will be better understood from the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be carried out in various other embodiments. Embodiments are given only to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully provide a person skilled in the art to which the present invention relates. The present invention is defined only by the claims. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used in the description to refer to the same or similar elements.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the washing machine of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a sectional view of the washing machine of Figure 1, and is a sectional view of a structure pendants, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main elements of the washing machine of FIG. 1 during operation.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may include a base 9, a casing 1, a top panel 2, a cover 4 and a control panel 3.

The base 9 may have a flat shape corresponding to the lower part on which the washing machine is installed. The base 9 can be supported by four support legs 16 mounted next to the four corners of the casing 1. The pump 100 can be installed on the base 9.

The base 9 forms an appearance of approximately rectangular shape. The support legs 16 are located at corresponding points located inward at a distance from the four vertices of a rectangular shape. The support legs 16 extend downward from the base 9 and come into contact with the lower part (for example, the floor of the room on which the washing machine stands). Four support legs 16 support the base 9, and the base 9 supports the entire washing machine.

The casing 1 is supported by the base 9 and is configured to include the front part 1a, both side parts 1b and 1c (although only the right side part 1b is shown in FIG. 1, the left side part 1c is located on the side opposite to the side of the right side part 1b) and a rear part 1d mounted on the outer corners of the base 9, so that the region in which the outer tank 6 is located is formed inside the casing 1. The upper and lower parts of the casing 1 can be open.

The upper panel 2 can be connected to the upper part of the casing 1. A loading hole for loading and unloading linen (or “clothes”) can be formed on the upper panel 2. A cover 4 for opening and closing the loading hole can be rotatably connected to the upper panel 2.

The outer tank 6 for receiving water can be located in the casing 1. The outer tank 6 can be installed in the casing 1 using the suspension 80. The suspension 80 may include a support rod 81 made with the possibility of connection with the possibility of rotation of the upper part with the upper panel 2 and a suspension mounted on the support rod 81 and configured to absorb vibration of the outer tank 6.

The gimbal can have various shapes. For example, the suspension may include an outer tank support member configured to support the outer tank 5 and move along the support rod 81 when the outer tank 6 vibrates, and a spring fixed to the bottom of the support rod 81 and configured to resiliently support the outer support member tank.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the suspension bracket 88 may be located above the outer tank 6 in the housing 1. The suspension bracket 88 may be located on the top panel 2. The support rod 81 may have a pivotable portion with a bracket 88 pendants.

In an embodiment, the suspension 800 includes a support rod, a cap 85, and an elastic member 86.

The cap 85 can move along the support rod 81 in the position in which it is mounted on the support rod 81. The outer tank 6 is supported by the cap 85 and moves with the cap 85 during vibration.

The support rod 81 may include a base 87 formed at the bottom of the support rod. The base 87 has a shape protruding outward from the bottom of the support rod 81 in the radial direction. An elastic element 86 located in the cap 85 is mounted on the upper surface of the base 87 of the support rod.

Resilient member 86 may be a spring. The upper part of the spring supports the cap 85. Accordingly, the spring 86 is compressed when the cap 85 is moved down, while the cap 85 is displaced along with the outer tank 6. The spring 86 returns to its original position as the cap 85 is moved up.

Suspension bracket 88 may be located adjacent to each of the four corners of casing 1 and / or top panel 2. Four suspensions 80 may be connected to respective suspension brackets 88. Seen from top to bottom, the pendants 80 are installed near the four corners of the casing 1.

The outer tank 6 may have an open top, and the panel of the outer tank 7 may be located on the open top. The panel 7 of the outer tub may have an annular shape having a central portion open to load and unload laundry.

The inner tub 5 configured to hold laundry and rotatable around a vertical axis can be located in the outer tub 6. A plurality of holes 5a through which water passes can be formed on the inner tub 5. Water can move between the inner tub 5 and the outer tub 6 through the through holes 5a.

A bellows 18 for discharging water for discharging water from the outer tank 6 and a water outlet valve 44 for controlling the bellows 18 for discharging water can be installed. The bellows 18 for discharging water is connected to the pump 100. Water can be supplied to the pump 100 through the bellows 18 for discharging water when the water outlet valve 44 is opened under the control of the controller 30. It can be assumed that the pump 100 is in a position in which the bellows 18 for discharging water open, although not separately described.

The pulsator 15 is rotatably mounted in the lower part in the inner tank 5. The pulsator 15 may include a plurality of radial ribs that extend upward. During the rotation of the pulsator 15, a flow of water can be generated due to the ribs.

The electric motor 41 of the washing machine, which supplies power for rotation of the inner tank 5 and the pulsator 15, can be located in the casing 1. The electric motor 41 of the washing machine is located under the outer tub 6 and can be installed in the casing 1 together with the outer tub 6. The shaft of the washing motor 41 the machine is always connected to the pulsator 15 and can be connected to the inner tank 5 or disconnected from the inner tank 5 in accordance with the operation of the clutch switch (not shown). Accordingly, when the shaft of the electric motor 41 of the washing machine operates in a position in which it is connected to the inner tank 5, the pulsator 15 and the inner tank 5 rotate together. In the position in which the shaft is disconnected from the inner tank 5, the inner tank 5 is in the stopped position, and only the pulsator 15 rotates.

The speed of the washing machine motor 41 can be adjusted. The electric motor 41 of the washing machine may be controlled by the controller 30. The electric motor 41 of the washing machine may be a brushless DC motor. The brushless DC motor can be controlled using a proportional-integral controller, a proportional-integral differentiating controller, etc. Such regulators can receive electric motor power through feedback and control the input current of the electric motor.

The dispenser 17 for supplying additives that act on the laundry into the inner tank 5 along with water can be located on the top panel 2. The additives supplied from the dispenser 17 include a detergent and fabric softeners.

At least one pump is required to drain the water from the outer tank 6 or circulate water through the circulation hose 10. The water discharge pump and the circulation pump can be installed separately. As, for example, in the present embodiment, the discharge and circulation of water can be carried out selectively using a single pump 100.

The circulation hose 10 performs the function of directing the water forcedly supplied by the pump 100 to the circulation nozzle 12. The circulation hose 10 may have one end connected to the outlet 144 for circulating water and have the other end connected to the circulation nozzle 12.

The hole 144 for the release of circulation water protrudes in the transverse direction of the pump 100 and is connected to one end of the circulation hose 10. The hole 144 for the release of circulation water can protrude horizontally and also extend in an inclined direction upward. In the present embodiment, the circulation water discharge opening 144 was depicted as extending backward upward.

The pump 100 may include an electric motor 170 (see FIGS. 6 and 17) and an impeller 150 rotated by a pump electric motor 170 and configured to force water. The pump motor 170 may rotate forward / backward. The direction of rotation of the impeller 150 also changes in accordance with the direction of rotation of the electric motor 170 of the pump.

The electric motor 170 of the pump is configured to adjust the speed and can be controlled by the control unit 30. The pump motor 170 may be a brushless DC motor. The speed of the brushless DC motor can be controlled using a proportional-integral controller, a proportional-integral differentiating controller, etc. Such regulators can receive electric motor power through feedback and control the input current of the electric motor.

The pump 100 may include two openings for discharging water forcibly guided by the impeller, that is, an opening 144 for discharging circulating water and an opening 143 for discharging water. When the pump motor 170 rotates forward, water is discharged through the circulation water outlet 144. When the pump motor 170 rotates backward, water can be discharged through the water outlet 143.

The dispenser 17 may include a housing 171 located on the upper panel 2, and a drawer 172 configured to contain additives and placement in the housing 171 of the dispenser so as to extend from it. The inlet / outlet for the drawer through which the drawer 172 passes may be formed on the top panel 2. An opening portion corresponding to the inlet / outlet for the drawer may be formed on one surface that relates to the dispenser housing 171, and which faces the inlet / outlet for the drawer.

The inside of the drawer 172 can be divided by using a compartment 172a for containing the detergent containing the detergent and compartments 172b for containing the fabric softener that contains the fabric softener.

A plurality of water supply openings may be formed in the upper part of the dispenser housing 171. The water supply openings may include a first water supply opening 171a and a second water supply opening 171b into which hot water and cold water to be supplied to the detergent holding compartment 172a are respectively supplied, and a third water supply opening 171c into which cold water (or hot water) to be supplied to compartment 172b to accommodate fabric softener. Hereinafter, cold water is illustrated as being supplied to the third water supply opening 171c. However, in some embodiments, hot water may be supplied to the third water supply hole 171c.

The washing machine may include one or more water hoses (not shown) for directing water supplied from an external water source, such as a faucet. The water supply hoses may include a first water supply hose (not shown) for directing water supplied from the cold water source to the first water supply hole 171a, a second water supply hose (not shown) for directing water supplied from the hot source water into the second water supply hole 171b, a third water supply hose (not shown) for directing water supplied from the cold water source to the third water supply hole 171c, and a fourth water supply hose or a straight-through water supply hose (not shown) for innings and water into a nozzle 13 for once-through water.

Cold water can be supplied through a straight-through water hose. A fourth water supply hose may be connected to a water source (e.g., a faucet). However, in some embodiments, the fourth water supply hose may be connected to the first water supply hose or the third water supply hose through the fluid connection, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, cold water, hot water, or a mixture of cold water and hot water may be supplied through a water supply hose.

In addition, one or more water supply valves 43 may be installed to control the water supply hoses. For example, one or more water supply valves 43 may include a first water supply valve (not shown) for controlling a first water supply hose (not shown), a second water supply valve (not shown) for controlling a second water supply hose, a third water supply valve ( not shown) for controlling a third water supply hose and a fourth water supply valve (not shown) for controlling a once-through water supply hose. The water supply valves may be actuated by the control unit 30.

The washing machine may include a water level sensor 42 for detecting a water level in the outer tub 6. The control unit 30 may control the water supply valves 43 and / or the water outlet valve 44 in accordance with the water level measured by the water level sensor 42.

The control panel 3 may include an input device 46, such as keys, buttons, and / or a touch panel, for setting, selecting and adjusting various types of operation carried out by the washing machine, and a display device, such as a lamp, an LCD panel, and / or a panel with LEDs for displaying various types of information, such as an output signal, a warning signal and a notification depending on the operating status of the washing machine and the choice of operating mode.

The storage device 47 performs the function of storing various data for the operation of the washing machine and may include various recording media, such as volatile / non-volatile RAM, ROM and / or flash memory.

Fig.6 shows that the top panel is visible from top to bottom, Fig.7 shows that the top panel is visible from the front, Fig.8 (a) shows that the back side of the top panel is visible in the position in which the circulation nozzle was installed, and FIG. 8 (b) shows that the rear side of the top panel is visible in a position in which the circulation nozzle has been disconnected, FIG. 9 (a) shows the back of the circulation nozzle, and FIG. 9 (b) shows the connecting structure of the upper panel and the circulation nozzle, Fig. 10 (a) shows that the circulation Fig. 10 (b) is a perspective view showing the position in which the circulation nozzle is installed on the upper panel, and Fig. 10 (c) is a sectional side view of the circulation nozzle. nozzles.

As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the washing machine may include a circulation nozzle 12 and a nozzle 13 for once-through water, that is, nozzles for spraying water into the inner tank 5. The circulation nozzle 12 and nozzle 13 for once-through water can be mounted on top panel 2 and can be located on both sides with a drawer 172 located between them.

The circulation nozzle 12 and the nozzle 13 for once-through water can be installed above the outer tank 6. The circulation nozzle 12 can be located behind the outer tank 6.

Seen from the front, in the case of the left and right sides separated on the basis of the dispenser 17, the circulation nozzle 12 can be located on one side, and the nozzle 13 for once-through water can be located on the other side. The pump 100 may be located on the same side as the circulation nozzle 12 on the base of the dispenser 17 above the base 9.

In an embodiment, seen from the front, the circulation nozzle 12 may be located to the left of the dispenser 17, and the pump 100 is also located on the same side as the circulation nozzle 12. However, in some embodiments, if the circulation nozzle 12 is located on the opposite side ( i.e., to the right of the dispenser 17), the pump 100 can also be located to the right of the dispenser 17.

The circulation nozzle 12 may include a water supply pipe 121 for guiding the water supplied through the circulation hose 90 and a spray gun 122 for discharging the water discharged by the water supply pipe 121 to the inner tank 5 by draining the water downward. The circulation nozzle 12 may be formed from one part made of artificial resin.

The water supply pipe 121 may extend directly from the inlet 121a into which water is supplied from the straight-through water supply hose to the water outlet 121b to discharge the spray gun 122. The outlet 121b may have a smaller diameter than the inlet 121a, so that the pressure of the water discharged through the outlet 121b increases.

The radial protrusion 125 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube 121. A pair of radial protrusions 125 may be formed at locations that are symmetrical about the center of the water supply tube 121.

The hose connection protrusion 126 may protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply tube 121. A connecting groove of a protrusion (not shown) into which the connecting protrusion of the hose 126 is inserted may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the circulation hose 10.

The circulation nozzle 12 may include a plate 123 extending outward from the outer peripheral surface of the tube 121 for supplying water in the radial direction. The back side of the plate 123 faces the front side of the upper panel 2, and a spray 122 may be formed on the front surface of the plate 123.

Sprayer 122 may include a collision surface 124 with which water discharged through the outlet 121b of the water supply pipe 121 collides and deflects downward. The spray gun 122 includes a spray hole 122h protruding to the front side of the plate 123 and is configured to spray water into the inner tank 5. That is, the spray gun 122 has the shape of a chamber or funnel indented from the spray hole 122h, and may have an increasing channel cross-sectional area from the outlet 121b of the water supply pipe 121 to the spray hole 122h. The portion that relates to the inner surface of the chamber-shaped atomizer 122, and which is located at the front end of the outlet 121b of the water supply pipe 121, is inclined so that the water discharged from the outlet 121b deflects downward in a collision with each other. The inclined portion corresponds to collision surface 124.

The circulation nozzle 12 may further include an inclined portion 123a protruding from the plate 123 and configured to extend from the side above the spray hole 122h to the spray hole 122h, and with the possibility of a slope further projecting from the plate 123 to the spray hole 122h. A gap is formed between the end of the inclined portion 123a and the front surface of the upper panel 2. Accordingly, although water flows along the inclined portion 123a and flows through the spray hole 122h, the flowing water can be prevented from coming into contact with the upper panel 2.

The stationary protrusion 128 may protrude from the rear surface of the plate 123. The stationary protrusion 128 may include a pin 128a vertically extending from the rear surface of the plate 123, and a head 128b made with a larger outer diameter than the diameter of the pin 128a and formed at the end of the pin 128a.

An opening portion 123h may be formed in the plate 123. The locking tab 127 may extend in length from the angle of the opening portion 123h to the opening portion 123h. The locking tab 127 has a console-shaped end located in the opening portion 123h and can be bent from the connecting portion with the plate 123. A pressure holding protrusion 127a protruding in the direction in which the rear side of the plate 123 is directed can be formed at the end of the locking tongue 127.

The nozzle support 2a in a recessed backward form can be formed on the front surface of the upper panel 2. The first mounting hole h1 and the second mounting hole h2 are arcuate, located at a distance from the first mounting hole h1 and extending in a circumferential direction relative to the center of the first mounting hole h1 or the center of the water supply tube 121) may be formed on the nozzle support 2a.

The first mounting hole h1 may include a circular mounting part h11 for a water supply pipe configured to insert a water supply pipe 121, first and second mounting parts h12 and h13 for radial protrusions extending from a mounting part h11 for a water supply pipe to both sides in its radial direction, and the mounting portion h14 for the protrusion to maintain pressure, passing further from the second mounting portion h13 for the radial protrusion in the radial direction.

The second mounting hole h2 may include a head mounting part h21 configured to insert the head when the radial projections 125 are inserted into the first and second radial projection mounting parts h12 and h13, respectively, and a protrusion guide part h22 extending from the installation part h21 for the head in the direction along its circumference, with a width less than the width of the mounting part h21 for the head.

The installation process of the circulation nozzle 12 is described below.

The locations of the radial projections 125 are aligned with the mounting parts h12 and h13 for the radial projections. The water supply tube 121 is inserted into the installation part 11 for the water supply tube from the front side of the upper panel 2. In this case, the head 128b of the stationary protrusion 128 is also inserted into the installation part h21 for the head. The rear surface of the plate 123 is located on the front surface of the upper panel 2. In addition, the protrusion 127a to maintain the pressure of the locking tab 127 is tightly engaged with the front surface of the upper panel 2, and thus, the locking tab 127 is elastically bent from the connecting part with the plate 123.

Then, when the circulation nozzle 12 is rotated, the head 128b moves along the guide portion h22 for the protrusion. During this process, the protrusion 127a to maintain the pressure of the locking tab 127 rotates around the front surface of the upper panel 2 in a position in which the protrusion 127a to maintain the pressure of the locking tab 127 is deformed. When the protrusion 127a for maintaining pressure reaches a specific location, it is inserted into the mounting portion h14 for the locking tab and returns to its original position, thereby completing the installation of the circulation nozzle 12.

In the position in which the circulation nozzle 12 was installed, the radial protrusion 125 is located on the rear surface of the upper panel 2. Accordingly, the circulation nozzle 12 does not deviate to the front side of the first mounting hole h1. Furthermore, since the stationary protrusion 128 is also located in the protrusion guide part h22 having a width smaller than the diameter of the head 128b, the head 128b does not pass through the guide part h22, and the circulation nozzle 12 does not deviate to the front side of the first mounting hole h1. In addition, the spraying direction of the circulation nozzle 12 can be set, if necessary, by appropriately calculating the length of the guide portion h22 for the protrusion and the locations of the locking tab 127 and the mounting portion h14 corresponding to the locking tab 127.

11 (a) is a schematic view showing the heights at which the water sprayed through the circulation nozzle reaches the inner tank depending on the rotation speed of the washing machine motor, and 11 (b) is a schematic view showing the angles at which the water sprayed through the circulation nozzle passes in the width direction depending on the rotation speed of the electric motor of the washing machine, Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing the spray ranges of the circulation nozzle and nozzle for once-through water.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when water is supplied under sufficient pressure through the water supply pipe 121, the water sprayed through the spray hole 122h can pass left and right at an angle θw with a maximum spray width when viewed from the front (see FIG. .7), and can pass upward at an angle θv with maximum vertical spraying relative to the vertical line, viewed from the side (see Fig. 10), but the width of the stream of water sprayed through the circulation nozzle 12 and the maximum height reached by the stream of water are reduced when giving ix water supplied through a pipe 121 for supplying water is reduced.

The pressure of the water supplied through the water supply pipe 121 varies depending on the rotation speed of the pump motor 170. The control unit 30 can control the shape of the flow of water sprayed through the circulation nozzle 12 by changing the rotation speed of the pump motor 170. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, so that the pump motor 170 rotates at a low speed (I), rotates at an average speed (II) and rotates at a high speed (III), the maximum height at which the flow of water sprayed through the circulation nozzle 12, reaches the inner tank 5, sequentially increases (see Fig. 11 (a)), and the horizontal spray angle of the circulation nozzle 12 increases sequentially (see Fig. 11 (b)).

The control unit 30 may include a clothes quantity determination unit 31 and an operation control unit 32 (see FIG. 4). Block 32 determine the amount of clothing can determine the amount of clothing contained in the inner tank 5. The inertia of the inner tank 5 or pulsator 15 may be an indicator for determining the amount of clothing. For example, when the inner tank 5 rotates in a stopped state, the inertia of the stop of the inner tank 3 increases with an increase in the number of clothes. Accordingly, more time is required for the inner tank 5 to reach a predetermined set speed. Accordingly, the number of clothes determining unit 32 can determine the amount of clothes based on the time required for the inner tank 5 to reach a predetermined speed. In another example, when braking the rotating inner tank 5, the number of clothes determining unit 32 can determine the amount of clothes based on the time needed to stop the inner tank 5. In this case, the inertia of rotation of the inner tank 5 is used, which varies depending on the number of clothes. In addition, the number of clothes can be determined taking into account changes in the input and output current of the electric motor 41 of the washing machine and / or electromotive force. A method for calculating the quantity of clothes is well known to those skilled in the art, and a description thereof is omitted, but the number of clothes determining unit 32 can determine the quantity of clothes using various known methods.

The operation control unit 32 can control various electronic devices, such as a washing machine motor 41, a water supply valve 43, a water discharge valve 44, and a pump motor 170. The operation control unit 32 may control electronic devices based on the water level detected by the water level sensor 42 or the amount of clothes determined by the amount of clothes determination unit 31.

The operation control unit 32 can control the water supply valve 43, so that water is supplied to the inner tank 5 and then can control the rotation speed of the pump motor 170 based on the amount of clothes determined by the clothes amount determination unit 31. In particular, the operation control unit 32 can increase the rotation speed of the pump motor 170 when the amount of clothes determined by the number of clothes determination unit 31 increases. If the amount of clothes loaded in the inner tank 5 is large, the operation control unit 32 increases the angle θw of the maximum spray width and the angle θv of the maximum vertical spray by increasing the pressure of the sprayed water from the circulation nozzle 12.

The operation control unit 32 may continue to rotate the washing machine motor 41 in one direction, while the pump motor 170 rotates. Moreover, the electric motor 41 of the washing machine can rotate at a sufficient speed in those cases when it rotates together with the inner tub 5 in a position in which the clothes in the inner tub 5 adhered to the inner surface of the inner tub, i.e., the drum D (see FIG. .12) under the action of centrifugal force. In this case, there is an advantage in that the water sprayed through the circulation nozzle 12 can uniformly wet the clothes.

The nozzle 13 for once-through water can essentially have the same design as the circulation nozzle 12. The support 2aʹ of the nozzle on which the nozzle 13 for once-through water can be mounted can be formed on the top panel 2. The support 2aʹ of the nozzle has essentially , the same construction as the nozzle support 2a, but as shown in FIG. 8, the first mounting hole h1 and the second mounting hole h2 may be in the form of mirror symmetry in comparison with the nozzle bearing 2a.

The cap 14 of the nozzle may be connected to each of the circulation nozzle 12 and nozzle 13 for once-through water. The nozzle cap 14 is configured to surround the nozzle 122 of each of the nozzles 12 and 13 and includes an opening portion in communication with each of the nozzle orifice nozzles 12 and 13. The nozzle cap 14 may be connected to the plate 123.

As shown in FIG. 12, provided that one side of the vertical plane to which the axis of rotation of the inner tank 5 relates is the first region S1 and its other side is the second region S2 based on the supporting surface F extending forward and backward , the circulation nozzle 12 can be located in the first region S1 and can spray water so that it can reach the second region S2, and the nozzle 13 for once-through water can be located in the second region S2 and can spray water so that it and reaches the first region S1. That is, at least a part of the spray opening of the circulation nozzle 12 can be open towards the second region S2, and at least a part of the spray opening of the nozzle 13 for the once-through water can be open towards the first region S1.

The inner tank 5 may include a lower portion in which the pulsator 15 is located, and a cylindrical drum extending upward from the lower portion. The spray hole of the circulation nozzle 12 may be open towards the region that extends from the first part P (S1) in the upper part of the pulsator 15, related to the first region S1, to the second part D (S2) on the inner peripheral surface of the drum, related to the second area S2, in a position in which the inner tank 5 is in an unloaded state (for example, a state in which the clothes were not loaded).

The spray hole of the nozzle for once-through water can be open towards the region that extends from the third part P (S2) in the upper part of the pulsator 15, related to the second region S2, to the fourth part D (S1) on the inner peripheral surface of the drum related to the first region S1, in a position in which the inner tank 5 is in an unloaded state.

13 shows a circulation nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the circulation nozzle 12ʹ according to another embodiment of the present invention has the same construction as the circulation nozzle 12 according to the previous embodiment, except that part of the spray hole 122h forms a wave-like shape W. In particular , a wave-like shape W can be formed at the bottom of the collision surface 124, which forms a spray hole 122h.

Fig.14 depicts the pump of Fig.1 in various aspects, Fig.14 (a) is a perspective view of the pump, Fig.14 (b) is a side view of the pump, Fig.14 (c) shows the position in which the pump casing is removed from pump, and FIG. 14 (d) is a front view of the pump, FIG. 15 shows a state in which the pump of FIG. 14 has been removed so that the inside of the pump housing is visible, FIG. 16 shows the inside of the pump housing, FIG. 17 ( a) shows the back of the pump, and FIG. 17 (b) is a sectional view on the side of the pump.

As shown in FIGS. 13-17, the pump 100 may include a motor casing 130 configured to receive a pump motor 170 and a pump casing 140 configured to form a region in which the impeller 150 is located (hereinafter referred to as “the region to accommodate the impeller "), and connected to the casing 130 of the electric motor.

Impeller 150 may include a plurality of vanes 151 that are arranged in a radial direction. In an embodiment, four blades 151 are illustrated, but the number of blades is not necessarily limited thereto.

The pump housing 140 may include a main body 141 configured to form an area for holding the impeller, a feed hole 142 extending forward from the main body of the casing 141 and configured to communicate with the area for holding the impeller, and two holes, then there is a hole 144 for discharging circulating water and a hole 143 for discharging water, configured to discharge water, forcibly guided by the impeller 150, on the outside of the area for receiving the impeller. The circulation water outlet 144 and the water outlet 143 may extend outward from the main body 141 of the casing.

The circulation water outlet 144 may be formed with substantially the same inner diameter as the diameter of the water outlet 143, but is not necessarily limited thereto. In some embodiments, the circulation water outlet 144 may be formed with a smaller inner diameter than the diameter of the water outlet 143.

The supply opening 142 may be connected to a bellows 18 for discharging water. The supply opening 142 may be formed from a tube extending in the axial direction in which the impeller 150 rotates. Water discharged from the outer tank 6 to the water bellows 18 may be supplied to the area for receiving the impeller through the supply opening 142.

A water outlet 143a corresponding to the inlet of the water outlet 143 and a circulation water outlet 144a corresponding to the inlet of the circulation water outlet 144 may be formed on the ring-shaped inner surface 147 (see FIG. 15) having a gap between the casing 140 of the pump and the impeller 150. The inner surface 147 forms the inner peripheral surface of the main body 141 of the casing. The water outlet 143a and the circulation water outlet 144a may be spaced apart at a specific distance in a circumferential direction on the inner surface 147. The water outlet 143a and the circulation water outlet 144a may be located in the range S between approximately 140-170 ° around the impeller shaft 150. In this case, the range S is the angle formed by one end 144a1 of the outlet for circulation water 144a and one end 143a1 of the outlet about the hole 143a for discharging water around the shaft of the impeller 150, as shown in Fig.15. Further, the other end 144a2 of the circulation water outlet 144a and the other end 143a2 of the water outlet 143a may form an acute angle around the impeller shaft 150.

In addition, the angle θp formed by the water outlet 143 and the circulation water outlet 144 may be approximately 30-90 °.

By rotating the pump motor 170 forward, water can be supplied to the circulation hose 90 through the outlet 144 for discharging the circulation water. By rotating the pump motor 170 backward, water may be supplied to the water discharge hose 11 through the water outlet 143. In order to discharge water and to accurately carry out the water circulation process, when water is discharged through the circulation water outlet 144, it should not be discharged through the water outlet 143. On the contrary, when water is discharged through the outlet 143 for discharging water, it should not be prevented from discharging through the outlet 144 for discharging circulating water. For this purpose, when the impeller 150 rotates forward, the circulation water outlet 144a is formed at a location higher than the location of the water outlet 143a on the upstream side of the water stream. Accordingly, the outlet 143a for discharging water is located on the side downstream of the water stream relative to the outlet 144a for circulating water.

The circulation water outlet 144 and the water outlet 143 extend from the circulation water outlet 144a and the water outlet 143a, respectively, outwardly from the housing main body 141, but the circulation water outlet 144 extends forward (or in the direction inclined to the downstream side) with respect to the forward direction, and the water outlet 143 extends backward (or in the direction inclined toward the upstream side) with respect to the forward direction.

As shown in FIG. 14 (b), when the pump 100 is viewed from the side (i.e., along the impeller shaft 150), the center of the circulation water outlet 144a and the center of the water outlet 143a can be spaced apart a specific distance ʺdʺ in the axial direction of the pump motor 170.

When the pump motor 170 rotates forward, the ridge 146 to prevent water from escaping to prevent the water from escaping from the pump housing 140 to the hose 11 may protrude from the inner surface 147 of the pump housing 140 through the water outlet 143a. When the pump motor 170 is rotated backward, the ridge 148 to prevent the discharge of circulating water to prevent the water from escaping from the pump casing 140 to the circulation hose 90 can protrude from the inner surface 147 of the pump casing 140 through the circulation water outlet 144a.

Fig. 16 shows that the Up side (CW) upstream and the Dn side (CW) downstream of the circulation water outlet 144a have been determined based on the water flow when the pump motor 170 is rotated forward, and the Up side (CCW) upstream and the Dn side (CCW) downstream of the water outlet 143a was determined based on the water flow when the pump motor 170 is rotated backward. In accordance with such a definition in FIG. 15, a ridge 146 for preventing water discharge may be formed adjacent to the downstream side water outlet 143a on the Dn (CCW) side, and a ridge 148 for preventing circulation of water may be formed adjacent to the outlet the circulation water hole 144a on the Dn side (CW) downstream.

In an embodiment, a ridge 146 for preventing the release of water can be formed at the corner of the outlet 143a for discharging the water, and an ridge 148 for preventing the discharge of circulating water can be formed at the corner of the outlet for circulating water 144a.

A ridge 146 for preventing the release of water and a ridge 148 for preventing the release of circulating water are formed within the distance between the impeller 150 and the inner surface 147 of the casing 140 of the pump. The end of each of the ribs 146 and 148 maintains a specific distance from the blade 151 of the impeller 150.

At least one of the ribs 146 to prevent the release of water and ribs 148 to prevent the release of circulating water may protrude approximately 3-6 mm in length from the inner surface 147 of the pump housing 140. Accordingly, the distance between the impeller 150 and the inner surface 147 may be greater than the protruding length.

In particular, at least one of the ridge 146 to prevent the release of water and the ridge 148 to prevent the release of circulating water can form an acute angle with the inner surface 147. In particular, the angle θr formed by the ridge 146 to prevent the discharge of water and the ridge 148 for prevent the release of circulating water, can be 5-85 °. In accordance with the experiments performed by the applicant, it was found that the rib 146 to prevent the release of water and the rib 148 to prevent the release of circulating water protrude vertically from the inner surface 147, and the angle formed by both ribs 146 and 148 is 40 °, whereas, if both ribs 146 and 148 and the inner surface 147 form an angle, and the angle formed by both ribs 146 and 148 is 80 °, as shown in FIG. 15, the amount of water that flows into the circulation water outlet 144 / at water discharge after water discharge / circulation is reduced.

The motor housing 130 may be coupled to the pump housing 140. The pump housing 140 has an opening portion formed on the side opposite to the supply opening 142, and the motor housing 130 is connected to the pump housing 140. Accordingly, the opening portion may be closed. An O-ring 129 may be installed along the connecting portion of the motor housing 130 and the pump housing 140.

The motor housing 130 may include a housing 110 and a back cover 120. The motor housing 125 in which the pump motor 170 is housed may be located on the inside of the housing 110. The motor casing 130 may have a cylindrical shape extending back from the front portion 126 through which the shaft of the electric motor 170 passes. The open rear end portion of the motor housing 125 may be connected to the rear cover 120.

The front of the motor housing 125 may be open, so that the pump motor 170 is inserted into the motor housing 125. An open portion of the motor housing 125 may be coupled to a front portion 126 of the housing housing 110.

One or more heat dissipation openings 121h may be formed on the back cover 120. A protective plate 121 for blocking the flowing water from passing into the heat dissipation opening 121h may be formed above the heat dissipation opening 121h. The protective plate 121 may be tilted down. In addition, a power connector 124 for connecting the pump motor 170 and the power supply can be formed in the back cover 120.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pump bracket, and FIG. 19 shows a state in which a pump is mounted on a base in various aspects. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the pump 100 can be connected to the base 8 using a pump support 50. The pump support 50 may include a plate 510 made of metal, dampers 520 for supporting the plate mounted on the plate 510, and dampers 530 for supporting the pump located on the plate 510 and configured to support the protrusions 145 formed on the pump 100. Three the damper 520 to support the plate can form a triangular structure.

Dampers 520 for supporting the plate and / or dampers 530 for supporting the pump may be made of an elastic material (e.g. rubber). Accordingly, vibration caused by driving the pump 100 can be absorbed by the dampers 520 and 530.

The plate 510 may include a horizontal flat portion 511, a damper support 515 for supporting the plate extending upward from the flat portion 511, and a damper support 519 for supporting the pump extending downward from the flat portion 511.

The damper support 515 for supporting the plate may include an upper vertical member 512 bent upward from the flat portion 511 and an upper horizontal member 513 bent horizontally from the upper vertical member 512 to the outside of the flat portion 511 and provided with an opening in which the damper is located 520 to maintain the plate. The damper 520 for supporting the plate has its lower part connected to the base 8 in the position in which they were fixed on the upper horizontal element 513.

The damper support 519 for supporting the pump may include a lower vertical portion 516 bent downward from the flat portion 511 and a lower horizontal portion 517 horizontally bent from the lower vertical portion to the outside of the flat portion 511 and provided with an opening in which the damper 530 is located to maintain the pump.

The pump 100 may include a pair of protrusions 145 protruding downward from the pump housing 140. The upper parts of the dampers 530 for supporting the pump are connected to the protrusions 145 of the pump 100 in the position in which they were fixed on the lower horizontal part 517.

FIG. 20 shows a pump 100a in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements as the elements of the above embodiment, and a description of these elements is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20, the pump 100a may include a check valve 160 rotatably connected to the inner surface 147 of the pump housing 140 and configured to close the outlet 143a for discharging water by rotating the pump motor 170 forward and closing the outlet 144a for circulating water when the pump motor 170 rotates backward.

The non-return valve 160 is driven by a water flow formed by the impeller 150. The non-return valve 160 may have its own shaft connected to the inner surface 147 of the pump casing 140, formed essentially parallel to the shaft of the impeller 160. The shaft of the pump casing 140 can be located between a circulation water outlet 144a and a water outlet 143a. Accordingly, the direction of rotation of the impeller 160 becomes opposite to the direction of rotation of the check valve 160. When the impeller 160 is rotated forward, the water outlet 143a is located on the downstream side of the water stream compared to the circulation water outlet 143a. Accordingly, by rotating the impeller 160 forward, the water outlet 143a holds the closed position with the check valve 160. In this position, when the direction of rotation of the impeller 160 is reversed, the check valve 160 rotates forward, the water outlet 143a becomes open and the circulation water outlet 144a becomes open.

The non-return valve 160 may be made of soft material (eg, rubber) having some elasticity. A surface that refers to the check valve 160, and which comes into contact with the inner surface 147 of the pump housing 140, may be flat. In addition, the peripheral portions of the circulation water outlet 144a and the water outlet 143a that come in contact with the check valve 160 may be flat on the inner surface 147 of the pump case 140.

Unwanted leakage from the pump 100a can be prevented because the check valve 160 closes the water outlet 143a or the circulation water outlet 144a in accordance with the direction of rotation of the pump motor 170.

Fig.21 depicts a pump 100b in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, Fig.21 (a) depicts the position in which the first pump housing 140a and the second pump housing 140b are removed, Fig.21 (b) shows a pump, visible in the direction I, shown in FIG. 21 (a), in a state in which the first pump housing 140a and the second pump housing 140b are assembled, and FIG. 21 (c) shows the pump visible in direction II indicated in FIG. 21 (a) in a position in which the first pump housing 140a and the second pump housing 140b are assembled. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements as the elements of the above embodiment, and a description of these elements is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 21, the pump 100b includes a biaxial pump motor (not shown). Impellers 150a and 150b may be coupled to both shafts of a biaxial motor. The biaxial electric motor is an electric motor with two shafts. The shafts are located on the same line and rotate with a common rotor.

The pump 100b may include a first casing 140a and a second casing 140b for receiving the first impeller 150a and the second impeller 150b, respectively. The first pump housing 140a and the second pump housing 140b may be connected to both sides of the pump housing 130.

Supply openings 142a and 142b may be formed on at least one of the first pump housing 140a and the second pump housing 140b. In an embodiment, the first supply opening 142a and the second supply opening 142b were depicted as being formed on the first pump housing 140a and the second pump housing 140b, respectively, and thus the water supplied through the water discharge bellows 18 is supplied to the first a feed hole 142a and a second feed hole 142b.

However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first pump housing 140a and the second pump housing 140b may be configured to communicate with each other, so that water can be supplied to both pump housings 140a and 140b through a single supply opening.

A circulation water discharge opening 144 may be formed on the first pump housing 140a, and a water discharge opening 143 may be formed on the second pump housing 140b. The present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the configuration of the previous embodiment except that the circulation water discharge opening 144 and the water discharge opening 143 are not formed on a single common pump housing, but are formed on the first pump housing 140a and a second pump housing 140b.

In addition, a water outlet 143 is not formed on the first pump case 140a, and a circulation water outlet 144 is not formed on the second pump case 140b.

As the pump motor rotates forward, water forcedly guided by the first impeller 150a is discharged through the circulation water outlet 144. In contrast, when the pump motor rotates backward, water forcedly guided by the second impeller 150b is discharged through the water outlet 143.

Fig.22 is a partial perspective view showing the relationship between the lower part of the circulation hose and its surrounding elements in Fig.2, Fig.23 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the upper part of the circulation hose and its surrounding elements in Fig.2, Fig.24 is a perspective view of the circulation hose in FIG. 2, and FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the circulation hose in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 22-24, the circulation hose 90 may be located in the housing 1. The circulation hose 90 may be located adjacent to the internal angle of the housing 1. The circulation hose 90 may be located adjacent to the internal angle that refers to the internal corners of the housing 1 , and which is located behind.

The circulation hose 90 may include an upstream portion 91 that extends upward. The water supplied by the pump 100 flows from the bottom to the top of the upstream portion 91. In the present embodiment, the upstream portion 91 extends upward to the lower side of the suspension bracket 88 fixed to the inside of the corner formed by the side portion 1c and the rear portion 1d (see FIG. 2 and 3).

The upwardly extending portion 91 may be located adjacent to the angle of the casing 1. The pump 100 may be located on one side under the casing 1. In this case, the upwardly extending portion 91 may be located adjacent to the inner angle, which refers to the inner corners of the casing 1, and which located on the back on one side. Alternatively, the upstream portion 91 may be located on the same side as the circulation nozzle 12 on the base of the dispenser 17.

In addition, the circulation hose 90 may include a pump connecting part 92 for connecting the pump 100 and the lower part of the upstream part 91 and a nozzle connecting part 94 for connecting the upper part of the upstream part 91 and the circulation nozzle 12.

The shape of the pump connecting portion 92 is described below based on the direction of flow of water.

The connecting part 92 of the pump can be formed in such a way that it extends back from the pump 100, bends with rounded and runs horizontally in either of both transverse directions, bends with rounded up and connects to the lower part of the upstream part 91.

The transverse direction refers to the direction to either of the two side portions 1b and 1c. In particular, a portion that relates to the connecting part 92 of the pump, and which extends backward from the pump 100, may be tilted upward.

In some embodiments, the pump connecting portion 92 may be formed so as to extend backward from the pump 100, so that it forms an upward inclination, bends with a rounded curve in the direction of the internal angle, which refers to the internal corners of the casing 1, and which is adjacent to the connecting part 92 of the pump essentially extends horizontally, bends upward with rounding and then connects to the lower part of the upstream part 91.

In an embodiment in which the upwardly extending portion 91 is located in any one of the inner corners of the casing 1, the pump connecting portion 92 may be formed so as to extend backward from the pump 100 so that it forms an upward inclination, is bent with rounded towards the inner the angle at which the upwardly extending portion 91 is located, extends horizontally, bends upward with roundedness, and then connects to the lower portion of the curved upwardly extending portion 91.

The shape of the connecting part 94 of the nozzle is described below based on the direction of flow of water.

The connecting part 94 of the nozzle can be formed in such a way as to bend with rounding from the top of the upwardly extending part 91 in the other of both directions, extend horizontally, go up and bend with rounding, round off and bend forward and then connect to the circulation nozzle 12. Other from both directions refers to the remaining one direction, different from the direction in which the connecting part 92 of the pump is bent.

In another embodiment, the nozzle connecting portion 94 may be formed so as to bend from the top of the upwardly extending portion 91 in a direction opposite to the direction of the inner corner, which refers to the inner corners of the casing 1, and which is adjacent to the nozzle connecting part 94 , pass horizontally, go up and bend with rounding, round off and bend forward and then connect to the circulation nozzle 12.

In an embodiment in which the upwardly extending portion 91 is located in any one of the inner corners of the casing 1, the upwardly extending portion 91 may be formed so as to bend with roundedness in a direction opposite to the direction of the inner angle in which the upwardly extending portion 91 is located, pass horizontally, go up and bend with rounding, round off and bend forward and then connect to the circulation nozzle 12.

The characteristics of the circulation hose 90 are described below based on the relative position between the surrounding elements.

The circulation hose 90 may include a first curved portion 93, which is connected to the outlet 144 for the release of circulating water, at least one bent with a rounded curve from the protrusion of the hole 144 for the release of circulating water to the direction of the angle in which the upstream part is located 91 and at least one curved upward from the direction of the angle so that it connects to the bottom of the upstream portion 91.

The circulation hose 90 may include a second curved part 95, which is connected to the upper part of the upwardly extending part 91, and at least one curved in a direction that extends next to the circulation nozzle 12. The second curved part 95 is bent with rounded horizontally on the inner surface of any of the front part 1a, the two side parts 1b and 1c and the rear part 1d and extends closer to the circulation nozzle 12. In the present embodiment, the second curved part 95 is bent iem from the mounting bracket 88 on the rear portion 1d in the horizontal direction, and then extends to the portion adjacent to the rear end 1d rear circulation nozzle 12.

The circulation hose 90 may include a third curved portion 97, which is at least bent with a curve upward from the side downstream of the second curved portion 95, extends to the height of the circulation nozzle 12 and then at least one bent with rounding in the direction of the circulation nozzle 12, so that it connects to the circulation nozzle 12.

The entire circulation hose 90 may be made of the same material, or both end parts 90a and 90c and the part 90b between the two end parts may be made of different materials. In an embodiment, the entire circulation hose 90 may be made of rubber material, such as ethylene propylene.

25 is a perspective view of a circulation hose in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 25, the circulation hose may include first and second end parts 90a and 90c and a part 90b between the first end part 90a and the second end part 90c.

The first and second end portions 90a and 90c may be made of soft material. Part 90b may be made of a material harder than the material of the first and second end parts 90a and 90c.

The first end portion 90a and / or the second end portion 90c may be made of rubber material. Part 90b may be made of a material harder than a rubber material, for example polypropylene.

Part 90b is made of a solid material, as described above. Accordingly, although water passes through the circulation hose 90ʹ when the pump 100 is operating, part 90b does not deform easily and retains its location. As a result, the likelihood that part 90b may come into contact with the inner surface of the casing 1 or the outer tank 6 is small.

The first end portion 90a and the second end portion 90c connected to the pump 100 and the circulation nozzle 12, respectively, are made of soft material. Accordingly, the vibration of the pump 100 or the vibration transmitted during the atomization process through the circulation nozzle 12 can be transmitted to a lesser extent parts 90b.

In the present embodiment, a portion of the circulation hose 90 made of ethylene propylene material has a tube thickness of 3 mm, an inner diameter of 18 mm, and an outer diameter of 24 mm. In addition, a portion of the circulation hose 90 made of polypropylene has a tube thickness of 2.5 mm, an inner diameter of 20 mm and an outer diameter of 25 mm.

In some embodiments, the circulation hose 90 may be secured to the outer tank 6. If the outer tank 6 and the circulation hose 90 are firmly connected, the risk that the connection between the outer tank 6 and the circulation hose 90 can be reduced.

In a first embodiment, the upwardly extending portion 91 may be positioned to extend upwardly upon coming into contact with the outer tub 6 and may include a fastener portion (not shown) for securing the upwardly extending portion 91 and the outer tub 6 to a specific location of the outer tub 6. In addition, the pump connecting part 92 or the first curved part 93 can be fixed to the outer tank 6. A mounting part (not shown) for securing the pump connecting part 92 or the first curved part 93 and the outer tank 6 can yt provided. In addition, the nozzle connecting portion 94, the second curved portion 95 or the third curved portion 97, may be secured to the outer tank 6. A mounting portion (not shown) for securing the nozzle connecting portion 94, the second curved portion 95 or the third curved portion 97, and an outer tank 6 may be provided.

In the second embodiment, the circulation hose 90 may be located at a distance from the outer tank 6. When the inner tank 5 is rotated, the outer tank 6 vibrates and the surface of the vibrating outer tank 6 does not come into contact with the surface of the circulation hose 90. Accordingly, there is a danger that the circulation the hose 90 may rupture, may be reduced, and noise caused by touch may be reduced.

In a second embodiment, the washing machine may include a first fixing portion 71 located upward from the top of the base 9 at a distance of 280 mm and located on the inner surface of the rear portion 1d. The first mounting portion 71 may secure the upwardly extending portion 91 on the rear portion 1d or side portions 1b and 1c. The washing machine may include a second mounting portion 72 located upward from the first mounting portion 71 at a distance of 260 mm and located on the inner surface of the rear portion 1d. The second mounting portion 72 may secure the upwardly extending portion 91 on the rear portion 1d or side portions 1b and 1c. Accordingly, the load of the upwardly extending portion 91 can be evenly distributed, and the upwardly extending portion 91 is secured to the housing 1. In the present description, it is understood that 280 mm and 260 mm include tolerance allowed by one skilled in the art.

In a second embodiment, the washing machine may include a third mounting portion 73 located on the inner surface of the upper panel 2a and configured to fasten the circulation hose 90 to the upper panel 2a on the downstream side of the third curved portion 97. Accordingly, the weight of the circulation hose 90 is supported even on the upper side, and the circulation hose 90 may be located at a distance from the upper side of the outer tank 6.

The washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the structure is simple, the manufacturing cost is reduced since both the circulation and the discharge of washing water can be carried out using a single-acting pump.

In addition, the circulation and draining of the washing water can be selectively carried out by changing only the direction of rotation of the pump without a separate valve.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the process of circulating and discharging washing water can be carried out more precisely by improving the design of the circulation water outlet and the pump water outlet.

In addition, water leakage through the pump water outlet can be prevented during washing water circulation, and water leakage through the circulation water outlet can be prevented when the water is discharged.

Clothing exposed to air in the inner tank can be wetted efficiently because the spray angle of the circulation nozzle can vary.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the change in washing according to the amount of laundry can be reduced, since the spray angle of the circulation nozzle changes based on the amount of clothes during washing.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the amount of water used for washing can be reduced and the clothes can be uniformly wetted.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the resulting color change, since the clothes are exposed to air or additional contamination due to the hardening of the detergent deposits, can be prevented since water can be supplied to the clothes exposed to the air using a circulation nozzle.

Claims (35)

1. A washing machine comprising: flat base; casing supported by a base; an external tank located in the casing and containing water; an inner tank for containing clothes, wherein the inner tank is located in the outer tank and rotates around a substantially vertical axis; circulation nozzle for spraying water into the inner tank; a circulation hose, the first end of which is connected to the circulation nozzle; a hose for discharging water for discharging water discharged from the outer tank to the outside of the washing machine; and a pump located on the base for selectively supplying water discharged from the outer tank to the circulation hose and the water discharge hose, moreover, the pump contains: reversible pump motor rotating forward and backward; impeller rotated by the pump motor; and a pump casing forming the region in which the impeller is located, and a pump casing includes: a feed opening into which water discharged from the outer tank is supplied; a circulation water outlet connected to the second end of the circulation hose; and a water outlet connected to a water outlet hose, moreover, the pump casing includes an outlet for discharging water and an outlet for circulating water formed on an annular inner surface that forms a clearance with the impeller, the outlet for discharging water and the outlet for circulating water being arranged in a circumferential direction and spaced apart from each other, wherein the outlet for the circulating water is formed on the side upstream of the water flow generated by the rotation of the impeller in the forward direction, and is located above the outlet for discharging water, and the outlet for discharging circulating water extends from the outlet for circulating water in the forward direction relative to forward rotation of the pump motor, and the water discharge opening extends from the water discharge outlet in a direction opposite to the forward rotation of the electric motor To pump. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, in which the opening for discharging circulating water and the opening for discharging water form an acute angle when looking at the opening for discharging circulating water and the opening for discharging water along the axis of rotation of the impeller. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, in which the angle formed by the hole for discharging circulating water and the hole for discharging water is 60-90 °. 4. The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, in which the outlet for circulating water and the outlet for discharging water are located in the range of about 140-170 ° on the base of the pump motor shaft. 5. The washing machine according to claim 1, additionally containing: a ridge for preventing water discharge protruding from the inner surface of the pump casing, the ridge for preventing water discharge is located on the downstream side of the circulation water outlet and also on the upstream side of the water outlet when determining the upstream side and sides downstream based on the flow of water generated by rotating the pump motor in a forward direction; and a ridge to prevent the release of circulating water protruding from the inner surface of the pump casing, the ridge to prevent the discharge of circulating water is located on the side downstream of the outlet for discharging water and also on the side upstream of the outlet for circulating water. 6. The washing machine according to claim 5, in which a rib to prevent the release of water is formed on the edge of the outlet for discharging water. 7. The washing machine according to claim 5, in which a rib to prevent the release of circulating water is formed on the edge of the outlet for circulating water. 8. The washing machine according to claim 5, in which at least one of the ribs to prevent the release of water and ribs to prevent the release of circulating water protrudes approximately 3-6 mm from the inner surface of the pump casing. 9. The washing machine of claim 8, in which at least one of the ribs to prevent the release of water and ribs to prevent the release of circulating water forms an angle along with the inner surface of the pump casing. 10. The washing machine according to claim 9, in which the angle formed by the rib to prevent the release of water and the rib to prevent the release of circulating water is 75-85 °. 11. The washing machine according to claim 1, in which the centers of the outlet for circulating water and the outlet for discharging water are separated from each other by a certain distance in the direction of the shaft of the pump motor. 12. The washing machine according to claim 1, in which the feed hole extends along the axis of rotation of the pump motor. 13. The washing machine according to claim 1, in which the pump further comprises a check valve for selectively opening and closing the outlet for circulating water or the outlet for discharging water in accordance with the direction of rotation of the pump motor. 14. The washing machine according to item 13, in which the check valve is rotatably connected to the inner surface of the pump casing. 15. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the axis of rotation of the check valve is parallel to the axis of rotation of the pump motor.

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